Our beloved loved, Gilberto Ruiz Suarez, 82 of Naco, Arizona, passed at the Tucson Medical Center, and entered God’s kingdom Monday, May 14, 2012.

Surviving family are his spouse, Matilde Blanco Suarez, his children, Laura Suarez and Raul Quilihua, Mary Ellen Suarez Dunlap and Kevin Dunlap, Gilberto Suarez and Veronica Ochoa, Roberto Suarez and Pamela Rogers Suarez, and his grandchildren, Raul Quilihua, Jr., Paul Joseph Suarez Hawkins, Cassandra Suarez, Nicole Suarez, Austin Suarez, Angela Suarez, Myrna Ochoa, Ryan Suarez, and Blake Suarez, and great-grandchild, Emma Suarez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Ruiz and Eutimio Suarez, his brothers and sisters, Cecilia Salaiz, Raul Suarez, and Alicia Ortiz, and surviving siblings, Alfredo Suarez, Armando Suarez, Cecilia Ledesma, and many other friends and family who enriched his life.

He was a man with traditional family values and an honorable respectful man with strong work ethics. He had a passion for his work as a carpenter, worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation for 15 years, and helped with the family business gas station. When Gilbert was 9 years old, his father passed and he assumed the father role for his siblings and helped raise them. He also raised some of his wife’s siblings and his grandchildren. Gilberto was a member of the Lion’s Club, the 20-30 Club, and volunteered for several charitable organizations to include the Naco orphanage. He enjoyed going to the movies, playing dominos, listening to mariachi bands, and spending time with family.

Visitation was held Friday, May 18, 2012 followed by a Rosary at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Quality Hill, Bisbee, with Deacon Tony Underwood and Deacon Jose Valle. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Gregory Adolf and Fr. Godfrey Oparaekwe which was followed by a reception in the church hall.

Pallbearers will be Gilberto Suarez, Jr., Roberto Suarez, Raul Quilihua, Jr., Paul Joseph Suarez Hawkins, Ryan Suarez, Blake and Austin Suarez. Honorary Pallbearers are Armando Suarez, Alfredo Suarez, Jesus Suarez, Jesus S. Ledesma, II, Roberto Salaiz, Kevin Dunlap, Raul Quilihua, Sr., Armando Blanco, Ignacio Blanco, Daniel Valle, Ramon Armenta, and Gilbert Gherna.

A private burial was held Monday. If you wish to donate instead of sending flowers, you may donate to The American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org or call 1(800) 638-8299.

Arrangements are being handled by Alex Espinosa Bisbee Funeral Home, Bisbee, 432-4242, Alex Espinosa Funeral Director.

Words cannot express how much so many of us will miss him and will treasure the many beautiful memories in our hearts. Our loss is the Kingdom of Heaven’s gain. Thank you in advance for your support and prayers.